Buzz
Boldly converse in French rather than English, stroll through Paris, and bear in mind that using wifi will enhance your trip's ease and enjoyment.
1. Don't hesitate to speak French
While many Parisians can communicate in English, not all do, and they don't necessarily need to as they are in their homeland. However, learning and speaking French fluently isn't simple. So, just listen, try to express yourself, and always wear a bright smile. The French will highly appreciate your efforts to speak their language, and you'll undoubtedly have some interesting experiences.
2. Try out new dishes
Snails, frog legs, goose liver... are dishes that the French still commonly consume, and when in Paris, you should give these dishes a try. If you're in a large group, order a dish for the whole table so everyone can have a taste, thus avoiding waste if the food doesn't suit everyone's palate. Additionally, you can sign up for a 1-3 hour Paris food tour starting from $30 USD, where a guide will take you to sample pastries, chocolate, visit wine shops, or explore markets in Paris. Request the guide to explain the ingredients of the new dishes to help you decide whether to try them or not.
3. Don't worry if your credit card doesn't work
Sometimes, cash registers in restaurants or shops in France may not accept foreign payment cards. If you find yourself in that situation, don't panic. Just inform the staff that you're using a foreign card (carte étranger), and you'll step outside to withdraw cash (espèces) from an ATM to pay. Paris is one of the busiest tourist cities in the world, and such situations have occurred before, so the shops will understand and sympathize with you.
4. Don't miss out on the Louvre Museum
Most tourists don't want to waste time in dull, boring museums, but visiting the Louvre Museum is something you should do if you ever set foot in the City of Lights. You don't necessarily have to visit every part (and you probably can't because the museum is so vast). Just pick up a map at the entrance, spend a few minutes marking your territory, and then admire the most famous artworks. And if you're truly passionate about art, sign up for a Louvre Museum discovery tour; you'll learn many fascinating things.
5. You don't need to explore every sight
You've made a long list of places to visit, things to do in Paris, and you're even wondering when you'll have time to sleep? That's entirely unnecessary. What's more important is that you can enjoy your experiences, remember what you've seen and done during your days here. Just strolling aimlessly, wandering along the ancient cobblestone streets, is already one of the greatest things in Paris. If you keep rushing from one sight to another, you may forget what makes people fall in love with Paris in the first place. Let your trip carry a true love for Paris. Sleep well, have a leisurely lunch, and explore Paris slowly and calmly.
6. Familiarize yourself with using wifi before arriving in Paris
Most hotels and cafes in Paris offer wifi, allowing you to use your smartphone for browsing, checking emails, or downloading travel apps. However, be cautious, or you might end up wasting a significant amount of money. In some cases, when providing the wifi password, they may require you to enable international usage. Therefore, take the time to read instructions on using wifi modes in Paris beforehand to avoid confusion when you arrive.
7. Avoid queuing to buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most popular attraction in Paris, so tourists always queue up here endlessly to buy tickets. Ticket vendors open at 9:30 a.m., and you need to arrive at least half an hour early to secure a spot at the front of the line; otherwise, you'll have to wait for at least 2 hours to buy tickets. A much simpler and time-saving option is to book a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower or purchase tickets online.
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Source: Travel guide Mytour – Via: ngoisao.net
TravelExpert.comJune 28, 2013
